CDC a leader in the fight to end prescription opioid overdose.

​Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council applauds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for releasing a guideline for doctors who prescribe opioids to treat chronic pain. This roadmap is a watershed moment in the fight to end prescription opioid overdose, and it crystalizes CDC as the leader in these efforts.

Prescription opioid overdoses kill 52 people every day. Many of these addictions begin in doctors' offices; enough opioids are prescribed annually to give every American a bottle of pills.[i] Despite the widespread use of these medicines, there is little evidence that chronic opioid therapy is the most effective way to relieve chronic pain. The drawbacks – most notably addiction and death – are far more obvious. The new CDC guideline explains and offers alternatives to long-term opioid treatment so prescribers can have meaningful discussions with their patients to ensure appropriate care.

Prescribers need this guideline if we ever hope to curb the most fatal drug crisis in U.S. history. The National Safety Council commends CDC for providing that critical tool. The guideline is not just appropriate, but necessary to save lives.

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Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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